Tired of putting up with pesky gaps in your teeth? Want to get rid of stained, misshaped or crooked teeth once and for all? Veneers might be a good option for you if you’re ready to repair nature’s mistake or the results of an injury.

For the ultimate smile makeover, veneers are ideal for enhancing the color, shape and size of your teeth. Removing minimal tooth structure, this safe procedure involves adhering strong, thin, tooth-colored shells to the front of your teeth, and can be completed in just a few appointments.

At Dr. Martinez, we recommend veneers for:

• Dull or discolored teeth
• Teeth that are worn down or aged
• Chipped, cracked or broken teeth
• Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
• Closing gaps between teeth

Because veneers are fabricated with a durable and highly stain resistant material (such as porcelain), they usually last longer than most other cosmetic dental procedures, which mean fewer appointments for replacements and repair. Once your veneers are in place, they’ll essentially become part of your teeth, resulting in a more shapely, white and natural looking smile!

If you are looking to enhance your smile and dramatically improve the overall appearance of your teeth, veneers could be the perfect option to help your reach your goals.  Speak with one of our dental professionals at Dr. Martinez in Cape Coral for more information, and find out if veneers are right for you.

At Dr. Martinez, we offer many smile-enhancing cosmetic treatments. So whether you desire the complete smile makeover, a quick repair of a minor imperfection or a routine check up and cleaning, patients can feel confident knowing that our experienced Cape Coral dentists will help them achieve their most beautiful, healthy smile.

Buying a new toothbrush can be difficult with so many different shapes, sizes and styles to choose from. Which toothbrush you use and how often you replace your toothbrush, however, is important for maintaining good oral health and a radiant smile. Here are some basic recommendations from Dr. Martinez to consider when selecting a toothbrush:

• Your toothbrush should be the right size for your mouth and teeth; it should not be uncomfortable to clean your teeth.
• Your toothbrush should have bristles that stand up straight.
• Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that are gentle on your teeth and gums.
• Select a toothbrush with a handle that is easy to grip and long enough so as not to make the action of brushing awkward or difficult.
• Your toothbrush should have a marginally small head so it can fit comfortably between the teeth and cheek. The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to clean the back molars and other hard to reach areas.

How to Care for Your Toothbrush:

• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles look worn or bent.
• After an illness, throw away your old toothbrush and buy a new one to avoid re-infection.
• Never share toothbrushes as this increases the risk of infection and illnesses.
• After brushing, thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water to remove remaining toothpaste and debris.
• Allow your toothbrush to air-dry by storing it in an upright position.

When you choose the toothbrush that is the right size and style for your mouth and dental care needs, you'll be able to clean your teeth more completely and help prevent the development of plaque and other dental diseases. If you need assistance deciding on the best toothbrush for your oral health needs, discuss your choice of toothbrush with our Cape Coral office.

If you are looking for a quick way to dramatically enhance your smile, professional teeth whitening may be a good option. Teeth whitening is convenient and highly effective, making it one of the most popular and commonly requested cosmetic dental treatments today.

At Dr. Martinez, we understand that many patients want to achieve a whiter smile, but it's also important for patients to understand that teeth whitening isn't for everyone. Teeth whitening results will vary from patient to patient, and procedures will differ by need and budget. The only way to determine which treatment will produce the best outcome for your teeth is by visiting our Cape Coral office first.

The following circumstances and conditions may prevent you from using teeth whitening products:

• Teeth with yellow hues will generally produce the best results. Natural tooth colors that are brown or gray typically don't react to whitening treatments.
• Mothers who are pregnant or nursing should refrain from all whitening treatments
• If your teeth are oversensitive, whitening procedures are likely to intensify the sensitivity of your teeth.
• Teeth that have been restored with veneers or bonded with white fillings should not be whitened with certain whitening solutions as it will discolor the restorations.

Because the natural teeth retain the ability to absorb stains, patients should also be aware that the results of teeth whitening may fade over time, especially if the individual smokes or drinks a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine. An easy way to achieve a whiter, healthier smile is to brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and avoid foods and beverages that augment tooth stains.

At Dr. Martinez, we can help you determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a professional whitening treatment. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home teeth whitening procedure, the results can be amazing and take years off of your appearance.

There's no doubt that your smile is one of your most eye-catching qualities. With new advances in cosmetic dentistry today, there are other smile-enhancing treatments available to improve the appearance of your teeth, and at Dr. Martinez, we strive to stay abreast of new cosmetic treatments so that our patients can easily achieve the smile they've always wanted.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, facial pain or an aching jaw, you may have a common, but painful condition known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).  TMD is an inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the skull to the lower jaw.  This important joint allows you to eat, speak and yawn, and any problem that prevents the TMJ’s complex system from functioning properly can result in severe, chronic pain. As a result, the long-term consequences can take a serious toll on your emotional and physical well-being.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

• Headaches
• Facial Pain
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Upper back and shoulder soreness
• Ringing in the ears
• Clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth
• A locked jaw in the open or closed position
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• Chipped or worn teeth

It’s important to address symptoms of TMD as soon as possible as the disorder typically doesn’t go away on its own.   Because TMD often mimics other conditions, it is frequently misunderstood and in many cases ignored.  With proper treatment, TMD is highly treatable.  

If pain persists and interferes with your every day activities, visit your Cape Coral dentist. Dr. Martinez specializes in diagnosing and treating this painful disorder.  There are treatment methods available, and your dentist will work with you to identify the best option for your specific case.

Thumb sucking is a natural and common behavior that many infants start naturally.  Its repetitive nature brings the child security, comfort and relaxation, and in most cases is not a cause for worry.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), many children stop sucking their thumbs and other objects on their own between the ages of two and four. When permanent teeth begin erupting around the age of five or six, your child’s thumb sucking behavior should have ceased.  In cases where thumb sucking persists, problems concerning your child’s dental health can arise.

Prolonged thumb sucking can cause:

• Misaligned teeth
• Protruding front teeth
• Malformation of the roof of the mouth
• Speech problems

How can I help my child stop thumb sucking?

Children who are slow to break the habit may need guidance from their parents or dentist.  If your child is still sucking when his permanent teeth start to erupt, consult your child’s dentist for assistance.  Other tips for helping your child stop thumb sucking include:

• Always be positive and supportive. Instead of scolding a child for sucking his thumb, give praise or a reward when he doesn’t suck.
• Distract your child with activities when you notice the thumb in his mouth.
• Because children frequently suck their thumbs for security, focus on soothing the cause of the anxiety rather than correcting the thumb sucking behavior.  
• Place an obstacle on your child’s hands at night, such as a mitten or bandage.  
• Visit Dr. Martinez and allow your dentist to explain the harmful effects of thumb sucking to your child and encourage him to quit.

If at any time you suspect your child’s thumb sucking behavior may be affecting his oral health, call Dr. Martinez.  Our Cape Coral dentists are qualified to provide parents with the information and appropriate dental treatment needed to help children stop thumb sucking. A dentist’s advice combined with support from the parents is the best approach to breaking the habit and avoiding dental problems.